Massport Contact: Matthew Brelis, Phil Orlandella, Richard Walsh
(617) 568-3100

FBI Contact: Gregory Comcowich
(617) 223-6110

Massport and FBI Announce Opening of Joint Terrorism
Task Force Annex at Logan International Airport

First in Nation On-airport Facility to be Staffed by Eight Agencies

BOSTON -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Massachusetts Port Authority announced the opening of the nation’s first airport-based self-contained office dedicated to the Joint Terrorism Task Force. The JTTF is comprised of numerous federal agencies, as well as state and local law enforcement.

The offices, located on-site at Boston Logan International Airport, were formally opened in July by FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III. The facility is a tangible example of the collaborative approach to security at Boston Logan. The agencies with a daily presence at the facility are the FBI, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshall Service, U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Massachusetts Port Authority.

“This is a great accomplishment for the FBI, Massachusetts Port Authority, and the seven JTTF law enforcement agencies who have dedicated seats at the airport,” said Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “This effort is the culmination of both local and federal agencies, and their individual commitment and dedication to fight terrorism and other criminal enterprises that affect the Boston community, and elsewhere. No one agency can do this alone.”

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the safety and security of the people who use and work at the state’s transportation facilities,’’ said Jeffrey Mullan, Secretary of Transportation and chairman of the Massport Board. “Facilities such as this are a national model on how to improve the public’s security.’’

“Security is a top priority at Boston Logan and doing it well involves everyone who works here,’’ said David S. Mackey, Interim CEO of Massport. “Massport was pleased to help create the office infrastructure and provide the space.’’

The opening of the JTTF Annex has greatly enhanced the task force’s ability to share vital information and dramatically strengthens investigative support in a timely manner with those that may be affected by criminal acts. The idea of the office was first broached by the FBI to Massport and the Authority fully supported the effort.

“Every day, since Sept. 12, 2001, the day here begins with an 8:30 a.m. security meeting,’’ said Ed Freni, Director of Aviation. “Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, the TSA, airport personnel, airlines and Massport staff get together and review the last 24 hours and look ahead at the next 24 hours. Sharing of information is critical, and the JTTF office allows that to continue in a more secure and directed way.’’

At the announcement, FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard DesLauriers and Massport Director of Aviation Edward Freni were joined by: United States Attorney, Carmen Ortiz; Transportation Security Administration, Federal Security Director George Naccara; Massachusetts State Police, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Matthews; Boston Police Department, Commissioner Edward Davis; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Director Kevin Weeks; U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, Special Agent in Charge Todd Zicarelli; Federal Air Marshal Service, Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge John Chamberlain; and Homeland Security Investigations, Special Agent in Charge Bruce Foucart.

Boston Logan International Airport is recognized as a national leader in airport security. Its layered approach to security relies on information-sharing, cooperation, technology and human interaction. It was the first major airport in the nation to have 100 percent inline checked baggage screening, a 10-foot high perimeter concrete wall around its landside boundary, a behavior detection program that has been replicated by the TSA nationwide, and 100 percent biometric access control to restricted areas of the airport.

Boston Logan, 15 minutes from the intersection of Route 128 and I-90 and five minutes from downtown Boston, serves as the gateway to the New England region and offers nonstop service to 70 domestic and 32 international destinations and in 2010 handled 27.4 million passengers. Boston Logan is the Air Line Pilot Association’s Airport of the Year for 2008 because of its commitment to safety. Over the past decade, the airport spent $4.5 billion on a modernization program that includes new terminals, parking facilities, roadways and airport concessions, and has been transformed into a world-class 21st Century facility. The airport generates $7 billion in total economic impact each year.

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The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. No state tax dollars are used to fund operations or capital improvements at Massport facilities.

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